Jon Rahm warns Open rivals: LIV Golf wins 'diminished'

Jon Rahm has fired a warning to his rivals at The Open Championship, claiming his achievements in LIV Golf have been 'diminished' by critics. The Spaniard, who joined the Saudi-backed league in December 2023, insists his form remains strong despite the format differences.

What did Jon Rahm say?

Rahm addressed the perception of LIV Golf wins being less prestigious than those on the PGA Tour. 'I understand why people might think that, but my game is as sharp as ever,' he said. 'I’ve won multiple times this year, and that confidence carries over.'

Why does this matter for The Open?

The Open, golf’s oldest major, begins July 18 at Royal Troon. Rahm, a former U.S. Open champion, will be among the favorites. His comments suggest he’s unfazed by criticism and ready to prove himself on a bigger stage.

What’s next for Rahm?

After a strong start to his LIV Golf career, Rahm will aim to silence doubters at The Open. 'I don’t need validation, but winning a major would shut people up,' he added. His best Open finish was T-2 in 2022 at St. Andrews.